Vapour Blasting FAQs
Also known as hydro- or aqua-blasting, vapour blasting at Restoren is a fine-tuned craft. Please see our FAQ's below and if you have any other questions; let us know.
What is vapour blasting?
Vapour blasting, also known as vapour honing, aqua blasting, or aqua honing, involves accelerating a slurry mix of glass beads and water with compressed air onto a part’s surface. The water cushions the glass beads’ impact, resulting in a finer finish than sand blasting.
What are the advantages of vapour blasting?
Vapour blasting (aka aqua blasting) hones metal surfaces, akin to microscopically hammering it flat. Its advantages include:
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No material is removed so it is safe for any surface.
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A superior finish, even better than factory finishes.
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Closed pores, making parts more resistant to staining and corrosion.
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​Excellent cleaning and a uniform finish.
What preparation is needed for vapour blasting?
The surfaces to be blasted / honed must be corrosion free, fully degreased and have all paints and finished removed. In the case of engine parts; all oil and water-ways must be sealed off, too.
How long does a vapour blasted finish last?
The short answer is; as long as you maintain it well. Properly cleaned parts can last many years longer than raw castings since the process seals the surface. We also apply ACF50 corrosion inhibitor to all raw parts for added protection.
How much does vapour blasting cost?
We charge a flat rate of £60 per hour. The amount of time it will take to blast your part will depend of it's size, shape, material and level of dirt. Air cooled cylinder heads with cooling fins will take a lot longer to clean than a water cooled version for example. We are happy to supply an estimate including a blasting plan prior to work starting, but please be aware that the job may take longer. Get in contact for an estimate and to ask any questions.
Can you vapour blast a complete engine or carburettor?
No, we won’t. While some have managed it (gotten lucky), many more have ruined their engines due to glass bead and water ingress, which quickly damage bearing surfaces.
What metals can be vapour blasted?
Most metals respond well to vapour honing. Softer alloys tend to shine more, while harder metals take longer to blast. Exotic metals like magnesium may not shine as much but achieve a good matt finish. Aluminium, copper, steel, brass, and bronze all produce excellent finishes.
What size parts can we blast?
The cabinet size often limits what we can blast. We can handle items up to 650mm long and 400mm deep (26” long by 16” deep in old money).